Happy Friday, readers! Whether it’s something obvious (like a polar expedition) or less well-defined (like growing up), life is often marked in our memory by the journeys we take. In today’s edition, I cover two very different books that are both about great journeys: Betty Smith’s beloved
I love your take on why adults keep returning to YA stories and why they resonate over and over again. I read probably upwards of 10 books a month and at LEAST 5 of them are typically YA (or YA adjacent) and they’re always some of my favorites. I’m new to your newsletter and love your writing too! Thanks for sharing.
I keep seeing a shirt ad pop up on my FB feed: "I don't know how to act my age. I've never been this old before."
Jeremy: your idea that we are always coming of age resonates with me. I am always growing as a man and won't arrive this side of heaven. I also think that because we're all just winging it there is an appeal to hope for our future to assuage some of the anxiety about that winging. The universal nature of the journey into the unknown makes coming of age tropes worthy explorations. Similarly, the appeal of exploration adventures can give us wisdom toward looking for the right path and warning against the wrong.
I love your take on why adults keep returning to YA stories and why they resonate over and over again. I read probably upwards of 10 books a month and at LEAST 5 of them are typically YA (or YA adjacent) and they’re always some of my favorites. I’m new to your newsletter and love your writing too! Thanks for sharing.
I keep seeing a shirt ad pop up on my FB feed: "I don't know how to act my age. I've never been this old before."
Jeremy: your idea that we are always coming of age resonates with me. I am always growing as a man and won't arrive this side of heaven. I also think that because we're all just winging it there is an appeal to hope for our future to assuage some of the anxiety about that winging. The universal nature of the journey into the unknown makes coming of age tropes worthy explorations. Similarly, the appeal of exploration adventures can give us wisdom toward looking for the right path and warning against the wrong.
Ageing is inevitable, but growing up is optional!
I'm 75 and don't plan to grow up any time soon!